Saving Grace ( + support The Rails) - 11/12/2019

This gig was not to be missed so I ignored my travel induced sleep deprivation to drive into Bristol via a detour from a closed motorway and my groggy state was very soon lifted as The Rails took the stage. Quite a bit of new stuff from them delivered in fine style. The title track from their new album 'Cancel the Sun' was excellent but the whole 45 minute set was great. I note that both Kami Thompson and James Walbourne were playing the same 12-string guitars which produced a rich and full sound. Both are good guitarists and James includes some super fast paced picking. Kami's voice has more than a hint of mother Linda Thompson's vocals which is a real treat. Saving Grace have developed since I saw them first in their 'under the radar' phase. Also the sound was better quality and Suzie Dian's voice came across clear and pure in the opening song - 'Undone in Sorrow'. Also Matt Worley on banjo and guitar and some vocals and Tony Kelsey on guitar and mandolin were exceptionally good. And of course Robert Plant who can still sing up a storm and has put together another distinctive, unusual and scholarly (mostly Americana) repertoire. I loved 'Move Along Train' a Levon Helm cover, gospelly and rocky with Matt on vocals and brilliant backing vocals from Suzie and Robert; similarly 'Soul of a Man' also with Matt singing. The highlight was of course 'Season of the Witch' a song I have always loved with fantastic vocals and outstanding guitar playing from Matt and Tony. Absolutely top notch. Low , Moby Grape and Charlie Rich were amongst other covers in the set which was outstanding from start to finish. Glad I made it into town. Setlist https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/saving-grace/2019/st-georges-bristol-bristol-england-b9a49b2.html